Recovery tool to use with a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A recovery tool configured to attach to the rear or front a vehicle with a receiver hitch class III and up to provide interconnect and control between the vehicle and various accessory tools necessary to perform lift, drag, tow and pull using the vehicle. The recovery tool has a head gear connected to a hitch attachment where the hitch attachment connects the recovery tool to the vehicle. The recovery tool has lights for signaling, work lights, and other uses. The recovery tool can be controlled by a wireless controller. The recovery tool is adaptable to three-point tractor implement. The recovery tool may further include a hydraulic unit and can endure heavy mechanical work to perform dragging snow or dirt, road cleaning, driveway scraping, towing and recovery, search and rescue operation, pull boat docks and launch boats, dragging logs or broken articles as well as jump start truck or car.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure generally relates to a recovery tool to use with avehicle.

BACKGROUND

Three point hitches are commonly used for providing interconnect andcontrol between a vehicle such as a pick-up truck, trailer, tractor andan implement such as a plow, mower or tiller. Many vehicles have a hitchin their rear part to couple the vehicle to the implements. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,394 A issued to Thomas D. Kendle on 1993, Jun. 21,discloses a three-point hitch for a vehicle such as hummer truck, pickuptruck, trailer etc. to mount an agricultural equipment. Similarly, U.S.Pat. No. 6,148,928 A issued to Lonnie K. Spears on 1999, Apr. 16discusses a three-point hitch mounting system connecting a pick-up truckto a three-point hitch to operate implements such as mowers, plows,tillers. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,384 BI issued to Todd K. Potteron 2003, Apr. 28, discloses an implement mounting fixture for mountingimplements such as trucks, tractors etc. to a work machine. However,these devices have limitation in that they only couple vehicle withspecific implements for use in specific activities. When a person has toface various situations such as requirement to clean ice or snow fromroads, recover a stuck vehicle, use a three-point tractor implement,jump start a vehicle and so on, the person has to purchase differentdevices and tools for performing these activities, which is veryexpensive. Further, the person cannot carry multiple tools and devicesin vehicle as it will consume a lot of space in the vehicle. Hence,there is a need to provide a device or tool which can connect athree-point tractor implement as well connect various other accessoryattachments necessary for performing lift, drag, tow and pull fordifferent activities. Further it is desired that the same tool allowjump starting vehicles. Also, it is desired that the device or tool beoperated by remote control.

The inventive aspect overcomes or alleviate the problem of the priorart.

Further the inventive aspect provides the recovery tool to efficientlyperform lift, drag, tow and pull using a vehicle as well as provideconnection to three-point tractor implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the inventive concept can be embodied m a recovery toolconfigured to perform lift, drag, tow and pull using a vehicle.

Other aspect of the inventive concept can be embodied in a recovery toolconfigured to attach to the rear or front a vehicle with a receiverhitch class III and up. The recovery tool provides a point of attachmentfor various accessory tools necessary to perform lift, drag, tow andpull using the vehicle. The recovery tool can be used for variousactivities including but not limited to performing dragging snow ordirt, road cleaning, driveway scraping, towing and recovery, search andrescue operation, pull boat docks and launch boats, dragging logs out ofwoods or dragging broken articles and jump start truck or car.

In an example embodiment, the recovery tool is adaptable to three-pointtractor implement.

In another example embodiment, the recovery tool provides a hydraulicunit.

In yet another example embodiment, the recovery tool includes a powersource.

In yet another example embodiment, the recovery tool receives power froma vehicle.

In yet another example embodiment, the recovery tool provides a lightingsystem which has different types of lights for supporting use of therecovery tool in performing various types of activities.

In yet another example embodiment, the recovery tool is sturdy and canendure heavy mechanical work.

Other aspects of the inventive subject matter will become apparent fromtime to time throughout the specification as hereinafter related.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive aspect indetail, it is to be understood that the inventive aspect is not limitedin its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The inventive aspect is capable of otherembodiments and is of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

These together with other aspects of the inventive subject matter, alongwith the various features of novelty which characterize the inventiveaspects, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For abetter understanding of the embodiments of inventive aspect, itsoperating advantages and the specific aspects attained by its uses,reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the inventiveaspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of example embodiments, a descriptionof the inventive aspect will be rendered by reference to specificembodiments thereof which are illustrated in the drawing. It isappreciated that the drawing depicts only illustrated embodiments of theinventive aspect and are therefore not to be considered limiting of itsscope. The inventive aspects will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows a prospective view of a recovery tool configured to attachto a vehicle and a snow plow according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows hitch attachment & headgear frame of the recovery toolaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows 7-way female wiring plug according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 4 shows hitch attachment headgear frame (exploded view) accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows connector tube according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a 3-point-implement attachment according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the recovery tool including ahydraulic unit according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the recovery tool including a hydraulicunit according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a low profile headgear according toan example embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a low profile headgear according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows straight tube according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the straight tube according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a tall headgear for towing & recoveryapplications (with receiver hitch attachment) according to an exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 14 shows the recovery tool for towing & recovery applications (withreceiver hitch attachment) according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those skilled in the art can understand that many changes can be made inthe embodiments described, while still obtaining beneficial results ofthe present inventive aspect. It will also be apparent that some of thedesired benefits of the present inventive aspect can be obtained byselecting some of the features of the inventive aspect while notutilizing other features. Accordingly, those working in the relevant artwill recognize that many adaptations and modification to the presentinventive aspect can be made and may be desired in certaincircumstances, and are part of the present inventive aspect. Thus, thefollowing description is provided as illustrative of the principle ofthe present inventive aspect.

Inventive aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should notbe construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein:rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of exampleembodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the drawings, somedimensions are exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments of the inventive concepts. As used herein, the singularforms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms aswell unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or“including,” if used herein, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments of theinventive concepts belong. It will be further understood that terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments of the present inventive aspect provide a recovery toolattachable to the back or front a vehicle with a receiver hitch classIII and up, and useful to perform lift, drag, tow and pull using thevehicle. The vehicle may be hummer truck, pickup truck, trailer,tractor, all-terrain vehicles, small maintenance vehicles and the like.Accordingly, the specific embodiments discussed herein are merelyillustrative of specific manners in which to make and use this inventiveaspect, and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of allpossible structure and processes of the present inventive aspect.

Embodiments of the recovery tool are shown in the figures, and discussedbelow. While the structure and processes have been described with acertain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that manymodifications may be made in the details of the structure and processeswithout departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It isunderstood that the structure and processes are not limited to theembodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification.

Aspects of the present inventive subject matter are described withreference to the figures.

TABLE 1 Reference Representation/description sign(s) for referencesign(s) IA M-420 Tall Head Gear Design 2A M-450 Low Profile Head GearDesign 3A M-460 Straight Tube Design 1B 3″ Work Light IC 2500 lbs. JackLeg 1D Hitch Attachment Bar ref (28) 1E 3-Point Connector Side Plates 1F3-Point Bar 1G Connector Tube (FIG. 5) 1H 3-Point Adjustable AdaptorPlate 1I Adaptor Tube 1J Battery Box 1K 4500 lbs. Electric Winch 1LReverse Lights 1M ¾ Bushing 1N ¾ × I″ 1/2 Bolt 1O ¾ Lock Nut 1P D.O.T.Right turn and Parking Light 1Q D.O.T. Left turn and Parking Light 1R7-Way Male Harness and Junction Box 1S D-Ring 1T ⅝ × 2″ Hex Bolt 1USafety Clip 1V ⅝ Hitch Pin 1X ¾ × 6″ Safety Pin 1Y Snap Ring Safety PinIZ 12 Volt Battery 1AA Hydraulic Ram 1BB Electric Over Hydraulic PowerUnit Double Acting 1CC 12 Volt Battery Connectors 1DD 2 Gauge BlackBattery Cable 1EE 2 Gauge Red Battery Cable 1FF 12″ Hydraulic Hose 1GG24″ Hydraulic Hose 1HH 90 Degree Hydraulic Fitting 1II 90 DegreeHydraulic Fitting 1JJ ⅜ × 1″ Bolt 1KK ⅜ Lock Washer 1LL ¾ Fender Washer1MM ¼ × 1″ Bolt 1NN ¾ Lock Nut 1XA ¾ Pin with Handle 1XR Push Pin 1XTRecover It Decal 142 M-420 Decal 145 M-450 Decal 160 M-460 Decal 1RRLoom Clips 1XX Junction Box 1TT ¼ Lock Washer

In an example embodiment, FIGS. 1-2 show a recovery tool 10 configuredto attach to the back or front of a vehicle with a receiver hitch classIII and up. The recovery tool 10 once mounted to a vehicle 12 is usefulto perform lift, drag, tow and pull. The vehicle 12 can be but notlimited to a hummer truck, pickup truck, trailer, tractor, all-terrainvehicles, small maintenance vehicles and the like. The recovery tool 10generally comprises of a head gear 14 and a hitch attachment 16. Thehead gear 14 is attached to the hitch attachment 16 and is present abovethe hitch attachment 16. The head gear 14 is useful for mountingaccessories such as lighting system required for the operation of therecovery tool 10. The hitch attachment 16 allows attachment of therecovery tool 10 to the vehicle 12 and also providing point ofattachment for various accessory tools necessary to perform lift, drag,tow and pull using the vehicle 12. The head gear 14 may be attached tothe hitch attachment 16 by suitable means of attachment including butnot limited to bolts, welding, combination of bolts and welding. Forexample, the head gear 14 and hitch attachment 16 are joined to eachother by both bolting and welding for extra strength. The recovery tool10 further includes a winch 1K, a wireless controller (not shown), and acontrol box 20 for wireless controller. The winch 1K is preferably 4500lbs. winch. The winch 1K is attached to the head gear 14. The controlbox 20 for the wireless controller is also attached on the head gear 14.The winch is operationally connected to the wireless controller to allowan operator to remotely control the operation of the winch 1K.

The head gear 14 is made up of four pieces, two vertical uprights 22 a,22 b, an angle 24 connected to the top of the two vertical uprights 22a, 22 b, and a cross tube 26 connected to the bottom of the two verticaluprights 22 a, 22 b. The two vertical uprights 22 a, 22 b, angle 24 andcross tube 26 are connected such that they are placed square and plumbfrom one another. The angle 24 provides reinforcement to the twovertical uprights 22 a, 22 b while the cross tube 26 provides additionalstrength to the two vertical uprights 22 a, 22 b for providing overallstrength to the head gear 14. The two vertical uprights 22 a, 22 b arefurther connected at their bottom to the hitch attachment 16 therebyconnecting the head gear 14 to the hitch attachment 16. The two verticaluprights 22 a, 22 b are preferably connected to the hitch attachment 16by bolts and welding. The two vertical uprights 22 a, 22 b are made frombox tubing. Preferably the box tubing is ¼″×4″×4″ box tubing. The winch1K is preferably mounted to the angle 24 connected to the top of the twovertical uprights 22 a, 22 b.

FIG. 1 depicts a side elevation view of a recovery tool 10 releasablycoupled between a front or rear of a vehicle 12 and a 3-point implementpivot attachment (FIG. 6), according to an example embodiment. Therecovery tool comprises a head gear 14 and a hitch attachment 16. Thehead gear is mechanically and physically coupled to said hitchattachment, the hitch attachment comprising a hitch attachment bar 28.The hitch attachment bar 28 is attached to the vehicle 12 equipped withreceiver hitch class III and up. The hitch attachment bar 28 is the partof the recovery tool 10 which attaches the recovery tool 10 to thevehicle 12. Most vehicles are equipped with a vehicle hitch 30, fortowing. The vehicle hitch 30 may have a male end 32 for coupling with afemale end 34 of the hitch attachment bar 28. The hitch attachment bar28 preferably fits into vehicle hitch 30. The inner side of the hitchattachment bar 28 slides into the vehicle hitch and is pinned on to thevehicle hitch using a ⅝″×4½″ hitch pin 1V with clip 1U. The other end 21of the hitch attachment bar 28 is configured to provide attachment pointfor attaching accessory attachments necessary for lift, drag, tow andpull, depicted in FIG. 4 and described herein. Once the recovery tool 10is mounted and safety pinned to a vehicle it can be used to perform thelift, drag, tow and pull using the vehicle 12. The hitch attachment mayfurther include a rear support bar, rear support brackets, left supportbracket, right support bracket and a lower support bracket. The leftsupport bracket and right support bracket are useful for attachinghydraulic unit and lights. The rear support bar is placed square to thehitch attachment bar 28. The hitch attachment bar 28 is connected bybolts threaded into the rear support bar. The rear support brackets arebolted to the rear support bar and are welded to the two verticaluprights 22 a, 22 b of the head gear 14 to thereby connect the hitchattachment 16 to the head gear 14. The hitch attachment bar 28 ispreferably made from the mild steel. The rear support bar is preferablymade from mild steel, solid metal bar. The hitch attachment bar 28 ispreferably 2″×2″ solid square bar of 24 inches length. The left supportbracket and right support bracket are placed square to the rear supportbar. The left support bracket and right support bracket are made fromsquare box tubing and mild steel flat plate which is welded to be onepiece. Each piece is placed square and plumb from each other. Each ofthese pieces are bolted and welded to the two vertical uprights 22 a, 22b of the head gear 14. The lower support bracket is bolted to the leftsupport bracket and right support bracket and to the hitch attachmentbar 28. For manufacturing the left support bracket and right supportbracket, preferably ¼″×2″×2″ square box tubing and ¼″×4″ and ¼″ and 2″mild steel flat plate are used. The bolts used in the hitch attachment16 are preferably ½″ bolts grade five.

FIGS. 1-6 show various embodiments of the present inventive aspect. therecovery tool 10 further includes a lighting system which has differenttypes of lights for supporting use of the recovery tool 10 in performingvarious types of activities. All the lights are positioned to be visiblewhen the recovery tool 10 is attached to any vehicle and plugged intoexisting vehicle wiring which is located on the back of a vehicle nextto vehicle's receiver hitch. All lights are preferred to be facing outtowards and visible to anything that is behind the recovery tool 10. Therecovery tool 10 has halogen lights to illuminate only when the vehicleis put into reverse. The halogen lights are preferably connected toangle present at the top of the head gear 14, by bolts. The halogenlights are on adjustable bases, preferred to be facing straight back anda little down. The recovery tool 10 preferably has two halogen lights.The halogen lights are preferably 12 volts spot lights which are greatfor lighting a wide range when backing up the vehicle with the recoverytool 10 mounted thereon. The recovery tool 10 further includes lightsincluding but not limited to left turn signal, right turn signal,parking lights, stop lights, tail lights and brake lights. The left turnsignal, right turn signal, parking lights, stop lights, tail lights arepreferably mounted to the two vertical uprights 22 a, 22 b of the headgear 14. The left turn signal, right turn signal, parking lights, stoplights, tail lights are rubber mounted and fit into a steel bracket thatis then bolted into the vertical uprights 22 a, 22b using a self-tapingbolt. The function of these lights is to give extra vehicle signaling,running lights, while the additional brake lights also illuminate therecovery in the dark. The recovery tool 10 includes work lights whichare preferably two in number and are 12 volt powered. The work lightspreferably face straight back, very little adjustment. The work lightsget their power from the self-contained battery mounted on the recoverytool 10. The two work lights can be used at any time operating from atoggle switch that is mounted to the plastic electrical junction box,while the electrical junction box is mounted on lower cross tube of thehead gear 14. The work lights work great when jump starting, hooking upattachments and any job that prefers light for example, in night.Various components of light assembly are preferably mounted to the headgear 14. The left turn signal, right turn signal and parking lightbrackets are preferably mount to the box tubing forming the two verticaluprights 22 a, 22 b of the head gear 14. The insulated wiring box ispreferably mounted to the lower cross tube attached on the inside of thetwo vertical uprights 22 a, 22 b of the head gear 14. The angle attachedon the very top of the vertical uprights 22 a, 22 b of the head gear 14,holds the reverse lights.

FIGS. 7-8 show the recovery tool 10 further including a hydraulic unitwhich has a hydraulic ram that operates the double acting ram for threepoint attachments. The recovery tool 10 includes a power source whichsupply power for the operation of the recovery tool. The power source ispreferably a self-contained battery. To receive power from other powersource, the recovery tool 10 further includes male wiring plugconfigured to be plugged into vehicle's 7-way female wiring plug mountedat the rear of each vehicle. The self-contained battery feeds power toboth work lights, powers the control box for wireless communication,also feeds power with in line disconnects to self-contained power unitthat runs the hydraulic ram. The vehicle wiring puts out between 12 & 14volts to rear 7-way female plug. The recovery tool 10 picks up its powerthrough the 7-way connection female on vehicle side to the male 7-way onthe recovery tool side. Through the 7-way plug the recovery tool 10 getspower for the left turn signal, right turn signal, parking lights, stoplights, tails lights and 12 volt charging power while vehicle is runningand reverse lighting that illuminates both halogen lights when vehicleis put in to reverse position. Power to these lights is activated whenthe vehicle lights are activated.

A handheld wireless controller can be used for controlling the operationof the recovery tool 10 of the present inventive aspect. The wirelesscontroller is made out of a plastic material and has a built-in batteryand three small touch pads, one touch pad to turn it on, other two touchpads control in and out of 12 volt winch. The wireless controller issmall enough to fit in your pocket or on the key ring of the truck keys.The winch used with the recovery tool 10 of the present inventive aspectmay be the winch available in the market and supplied with a wirelesscontroller and control box. For example, the traveler's 4500 lbs UTVwinch can be used with the recovery tool 10 of the present inventiveaspect. The traveler's 4500 lbs UTV winch is provided with wirelesscontroller and control box. The harness kit is available in marketcomplete with the 4500 lbs UTV winch. Installation on the recovery tool10 is easy. One end of the wires attaches to the winch and other end ofthe wire goes to self-contained battery mounted on the hitch attachment16 of the recovery tool 10. The communication between the controller andcontrol box has a range to be over fifty feet away from one another.Typically, the recovery tool 10 of the present inventive aspect willalways stay hooked to vehicle and but the operator can use the recoverytool 10 on the inside and outside of a vehicle. The recovery tool 10 canbe operated from a wireless controller which runs the operation of thetraveler's UTV winch. The winch is mounted to the head gear 14. Thewireless controller winch can be used in and out of a vehicle to performdragging, pulling and towing. The winch gets its power from theself-contained 12 volt battery mounted to the hitch attachment 16 of therecovery tool 10. The recovery tool 10 also has a wired control cordthat operates electric self-contained power unit when the three-pointaccessory attachment is added to the hitch attachment bar 28 of therecovery tool 10. If this attachment is added to the recovery tool 10,operator will feed harness into cab either through sliding rear windowor through passenger side window of their vehicle to operate whiledragging, pulling with the three point attachments. There is a kitavailable to convert this accessory to wireless controller, could be anupgrade to the end user if necessary.

In an example embodiment, the three point implements may be adjusted inangular position by using relocking pin.

Preferably, all the parts of the head gear, hitch attachment, controlbox for wireless controller of the recovery tool of the presentinventive aspect are made from mild steel metal. Alternatively, all theparts of the head gear, hitch attachment, control box for wirelesscontroller can be made from other sturdy material including but notlimited to stainless steel, and aluminum. The use of stainless steel oraluminum for manufacturing the recovery tool of the present inventiveaspect minimizes painting or galvanizing dipping of the recovery tool.As also discussed above, it is preferred that the different parts of therecovery tools described below once connected to each other by suitablemeans of attachment such as bolts, are further connected to each otherby welding for extra strength and making the recovery tool a bolted andwelded one-piece unit. The recovery tool once manufactured can be sandblasted free of all mill scale and etched primed with self-etchingprimer and painted for example, using an aluminum paint finish.

FIGS. 6-14 show the recovery tool 10 according to another exampleembodiment. The recovery tool 10 provide interconnect and controlbetween a vehicle 12 and various accessory attachments for lifting,dragging, towing and pulling for performing various types of activitiesincluding but not limited to perform dragging snow or dirt, roadcleaning, driveway scraping, towing and recovery, search and rescueoperation, pull boat docks and launch boats, dragging logs out of woodsor dragging broken articles and jump start truck or car. The recoverytool may be attached to vehicle which may include but not limited tohummer truck, pickup truck, trailer, tractor, all-terrain vehicles,small maintenance vehicles and the like All the necessary accessoryattachments for these activities are mounted off of the hitch attachmentbar. To use recovery tool of the present inventive aspect for cleaningdrive ways, scraping ice and dirt, driveway cleaning and roadwaycleaning, the hitch attachment bar accepts the accessory attachment thatadapts to three-point tractor implements attachments to the recoverytool. The three-point tractor implement attachment allows the recoverytool to attach to the three-point tractor back drag blades which isuseful to drag snow or dirt. The hydraulic accessory attachment isremovably connected to the hitch attachment bar of the recovery toolpreferably by using a ½″ pin and 4.5″ long safety pin. The hydraulicaccessory attachment contains a double acting hydraulic reservoir andram. The hydraulic unit operates from a pendant controller which plugsinto the power unit electrical plug and feeds into vehicle to operatethe back drag blade for snow dirt and ice. The controller operates thehydraulic ram causing the back drag blade to lift and lower with downpressure great for cleaning drive ways, scraping ice and dirt.Similarly, the recovery tool can be used, where the hitch attachment barof the recovery tool holds hydraulic accessory attachment, three-pointmounting bracket and three point back drag blade. The functional unitthus formed gets its power from its self-contained 12-volt battery whichallows lifting and lowering the recovery tool to scrapes road/drivewayclean free from snow, ice and/or dirt.

The recovery tool can be efficiently used for recovery of stuckvehicles, drag logs, broken equipment, docks etc. by performing towing,pulling, dragging and lifting. The recovery process can be performedwhile using the work lights and reverse lights of the recovery tool forlighting and also the 4500 lbs winch with wireless controller. Thehalogen flood lights and work lights of the recovery tool could be usedfor search and rescue purposes by providing search lightning. Thehalogen flood lights and the work lights can be upgraded to moreexpensive lights to use high intensity light, if needed for a search andrescue activity. The recovery tool could be attached to the emergencyvehicles and used in search of people in the water or over an embankmentwhile using 4500 lbs winch for rescue purpose. The 4500 lbs winch ismedium size and the recovery tool could easily be upgraded to heavierbigger winch and extreme bright light, strobes or flashing lights to bean ultimate search and rescue safety device. The winch comes with 50feet of rescue cable and could always be extended with another cable orrope for water emergency. Further, the recovery tool of the presentinventive aspect mounted on the front or rear of any truck equipmentwith a receiver hitch class III and up can easily pull boat docks andlaunch boats, tow horse trailers, utility trailers basically mostanything that takes a ball. For removing docks up and out of the wateroperator would use the wireless remote for controllably winching docksto shore. The 4500 lbs pull capacity winch with 50 ft. aircraft cable isspecifically useful for this purpose. In most cases the operator wouldback the vehicle up close to the dock, put the vehicle in park, get outand hook cable to dock lifting eye. After the cable is attached, theoperator would use wireless controller for the winch and recovery docksup and out of water. For towing boats, the unit has a receiver tube thatadapts to the hitch attachment bar. This attachment tube allows the enduser to install preferred draw bar with ball that fits their trailer.1⅞″, 2″ and 2 5/16″ are the three sizes which are adapted to therecovery tool of the present inventive aspect. For dragging logs out ofwoods or dragging broken articles, the recovery tool is attached to thevehicle; the winch mounted to the head gear of the recovery tool is thenused to drag the logs and broken article out of hard reach spots. Oncethe logs are pulled to road ways or clearings, the recovery tool has thecapability to drag logs using operator's personal vehicle. Riggingchains (not supplied) could be rigged to logs and towed using the safetycl-rings that are mounted to lower hitch attachment. Also, when therecovery tool is mounted to the truck, the recovery tool can be used toattach a trailer to its receiver tube over the hitch attachment bar.Allowing trailers to be mounted to it at varied sizes allows therecovery tool to drag logs on to trailers or any broken down device upto 4500 lbs. Further, the self-contained 12 volts battery of therecovery tool is identical to a typical car or truck battery. Theselfcontained 12 volts battery is easily accessible to allow attachingjumper cables to the self-contained 12 volts battery to jump startTractors, Lawn mowers, cars, trucks, boats etc.; anything that takes 12volt power. The self-contained 12 volts battery gets its trickle chargefeed to charge the self-contained 12 volts battery by plugging it in tovehicle side 7-way plug which is mounted and the back of all new vehicleand most other older ones.

In an example embodiment, the recovery tool 10 is configured tointerconnect to all vehicles with a class III hitch and up 12. In anexample implementation, jack leg pin is pulled and jack legs 1C areunlocked on both sides of recovery tool. Jack legs 1C are turned in theupright position and jack handles are turned counterclockwise to lowerjacks and until recovery tool raises up to proper height and lines upwith vehicle receiver hitch. Once recovery tool is raised up to theproper height it can be manually pushed into truck receiver hitch. Holefrom receiver hitch of the vehicle is aligned to the hole on recovertool attachment bar 28 and safety pin 1V, safety clip 1U and safetychains are Install to vehicle hitch. Once recovery tool is mounted tovehicle receiver hitch, the 7-way harness from the recover tool isplugged into the vehicle 7-way wiring plug of the vehicle for therecovery tool to get its power to control reverse lights, left turn,right turn, parking lights, stop lights, 12-volt battery power andground. The recovery tool can perform lift, drag, tow and pull once itsmounted to vehicle receiver hitch class III and up.

In an example embodiment, the recovery tool 10 is configured to performlifting and dragging. The connector tube (which is shown in FIG. 5) ismounted to the recovery tool attachment bar 28, and 3-point implementpivot attachment (which is shown in FIG. 6) is mounted to the connectortube. The connector tube and 3-point implement pivot attachment is heldon to the attachment bar 28 by a ⅝ hitch pin IV and safety clip ref IU,and the connector tube is pined to 3-point implement pivot attachment bythe ⅝ hitch pin ref 1V and safety clip IU. Once the connector tube and3-point pivot attachment is installed to the recovery tool attachmentbar, the recovery tool can perform lifting and dragging functions. Therecovery tool has a double acting power unit and hydraulic ram bolted toconnector tube which allows the recovery tool to perform lifting to3-point implements that would be mounted to recovery tool 3-pointimplement pivot attachment.

In an example embodiment, the recovery tool 10 can perform towing bymounting connector tube (FIG. 5) to attachment bar 28 on the recoverytool. The connector tube is held on by the ⅝ hitch pin 1V and safetyclip 1U. Once connector tube is installed and pined to attachment bar 28on the recovery tool, users can install receiver and ball to connectortube (FIG.5) and perform towing.

In an example embodiment, the recovery tool 28 is configured to performpulling by using the electric 4500 lb. winch 1K which is mounted to therecovery tool 10 and headgear frame 14. The recovery tool 10 performspulling by using the winch 1K which is controlled by a hand heldwireless controller that sends a signal to the control box which ismounted to head gear frame 14. The recovery tool 10 supplies power tothe winch 1K from a self-contained battery 1Z that is mounted on to theattachment bar 28 of the recovery tool hitch attachment.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above discussedembodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many otherembodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe above description.

Whereas, the construction and method have been described in relation tothe figures of the drawings, it should be understood that other andfurther modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, maybe made within the spirit and scope of this inventive aspect.

1-34. (canceled)
 35. A recovery tool for performing lift, drag, tow andpull, releasably coupled to a vehicle hitch operably coupled to thefront or rear of a vehicle, comprising: a head gear (14), and a hitchattachment (16), the head gear (14) comprising: two vertical uprights(22 a, 22 b); an angle (24) connected to the top of the two verticaluprights (22 a, 22 b); and a cross tube (26) connected to the bottom ofthe two vertical uprights (22 a, 22 b), wherein the bottoms of the twovertical uprights (22 a, 22 b) of the head gear are further connected attheir bottom to the hitch attachment (16), thereby mechanically andphysically coupling said head gear to said hitch attachment (16), thehitch attachment comprising a hitch attachment bar (28) for releasablycoupling to a vehicle (12) via a vehicle hitch (30), and wherein thehitch attachment bar (28) extends under the head gear of the recoverytool from the vehicle hitch (30) to a connector tube, said connectortube being operably coupled to a 3-point pivot attachment, said 3-pointpivot attached being operably coupled to an accessory tool capable ofperforming lift, drag, tow and pull, using said vehicle, such that saidvehicle hitch (30), said connector tube, and said 3-point pivotattachment are aligned.
 39. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein saidhitch attachment is configured to interconnect and control between saidvehicle and accessory tools used to perform lift, drag, tow or pullusing said vehicle.
 40. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein saidreceiver hitch is receiver hitch class III.
 41. The recovery tool ofclaim 38, wherein said receiver hitch is receiver hitch class III andup.
 42. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said two verticaluprights are made from box tubing.
 43. The recovery tool of claim 42,wherein said two vertical uprights are made from ¼″×4″×4″ box tubing.44. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said winch is mounted to saidangle.
 45. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said two verticaluprights are connected to said hitch attachment by bolts and welding.46. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said hitch attachment bar isconfigured to slide into said receiver hitch of said vehicle and pinnedon to said receiver hitch.
 47. The recovery tool of claim 46, whereinsaid hitch attachment bar is pinned on to said vehicle hitch using a⅝″×4½″ hitch pin with a clip.
 48. The recovery tool of claim 38, whereinsaid hitch attachment bar is 2″×2″ solid square bar of 24 inches length.49. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said hitch attachment furtherincluding a rear support bar, rear support brackets, left supportbracket, right support bracket and a lower support bracket, said leftsupport bracket and said right support bracket adapted for mountinghydraulic unit and lights thereon, said rear support bar placed squareto said hitch attachment bar, said hitch attachment bar is connected tosaid rear support bar, said rear support brackets connected to said rearsupport bar, said rear support brackets connected to said head gear toconnect said hitch attachment to said head gear, said left supportbracket and said right support bracket placed square to said rearsupport bar.
 50. The recovery tool of claim 49, wherein said rearsupport bar is made from mild steel, solid metal bar.
 51. The recoverytool of claim 38, wherein said hitch attachment is attached to said headgear by bolts.
 52. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said hitchattachment is attached to said head gear by welding.
 53. The recoverytool of claim 38, wherein said hitch attachment is attached to said headgear by bolts and welding.
 54. The recovery tool of claim 38, whereinsaid winch is 4500 lbs winch.
 55. The recovery tool of claim 38, whereinsaid recovery tool further includes halogen lights.
 56. The recoverytool of claim 38, wherein said recovery tool further includes worklights.
 57. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said recovery toolfurther includes left turn signal, right turn signal, parking lights,stop lights, tail lights, and brake lights.
 58. The recovery tool ofclaim 38, wherein said accessory tools is a three-point tractorimplement attachment.
 59. The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein saidaccessory tools is a three-point tractor back drag blades.
 60. Therecovery tool of claim 38, wherein said vehicle is selected from a listincluding a hummer truck, pickup truck, trailer, tractor, all-terrainvehicles, and maintenance vehicles.
 61. The recovery tool of claim 38,wherein said head gear, said hitch attachment, said control box forwireless controller are made from mild steel metal.
 62. The recoverytool of claim 38, wherein said head gear, said hitch attachment, saidcontrol box for wireless controller are made from stainless steel. 63.The recovery tool of claim 38, wherein said head gear, said hitchattachment, said control box for wireless controller are made fromaluminum.
 64. A method for using a recovery tool, comprising: providinga recovery tool releasably coupled to the rear or front of a vehiclecomprising: a head gear (14), and a hitch attachment (16), wherein thehead gear (14) is made up of four pieces, two vertical uprights (22 a,22 b), an angle (24) connected to the top of the two vertical uprights(22 a, 22 b), and a cross tube (26) connected to the bottom of the twovertical uprights (22 a, 22 b), wherein the bottoms of the two verticaluprights (22 a, 22 b) of the head gear are further connected at theirbottom to the hitch attachment (16), thereby mechanically and physicallycoupling said head gear to said hitch attachment (16), the hitchattachment comprising a hitch attachment bar (28), wherein the hitchattachment bar (28) is releasably coupled to the vehicle (12) via avehicle hitch (30), and wherein the hitch attachment bar (28) extendsunder the head gear of the recovery tool from the vehicle hitch (30) toa connector tube, said connector tube being operably coupled to a3-point pivot attachment, said 3-point pivot attached being operablycoupled to an accessory tool capable of performing lift, drag, tow andpull, using said vehicle, such that said vehicle hitch (30), saidconnector tube, and said 3-point pivot attachment are aligned; extendingthe hitch attachment bar (28) under the head gear of the recovery toolfrom the vehicle hitch (30) to the connector tube; and operably couplingthe connector tube to the 3-point pivot attachment.
 65. The method ofclaim 64, further comprising operably coupling the 3-point pivotattachment to accessory tools selected from the group consisting of aplow, a tractor, tillers, a mower, and a farm implement, each of whichuses 3-point interconnect.